Jane McIlroy, Author at Owners Corporation Network

Strata committee training: necessity or burden?

Jane McIlroy2025-04-03T15:51:15+11:00

Owners’ corporation (OC) committees play a vital role in managing our residential buildings. Yet these annually elected volunteers often face wide-spread criticism ranging from accusations of misunderstanding complex strata regulations to internal dysfunction, to explicit conflicts of interest. One proposed solution is committee training, a measure recently introduced in New South Wales (NSW). NSW now requires OC committee members to undertake formal training, aligning their duties more closely with those of [...]

Strata committee training: necessity or burden?Jane McIlroy2025-04-03T15:51:15+11:00

Stuart found the ideal home – until he found out it was tainted

Jane McIlroy2025-03-26T12:12:50+11:00

A stunning $4 million penthouse caught the eye of business consultant Stuart McLean at the weekend but when he looked into the apartment building further, he had second thoughts. He discovered it was managed by Netstrata, the strata management company found, after an independent investigation, potentially to have charged excessive fees and not disclosed commissions and conflicts of interest. The company is contesting the allegations. Chair Fred Tuckwell of the Owners [...]

Stuart found the ideal home – until he found out it was taintedJane McIlroy2025-03-26T12:12:50+11:00

Inquiry to put booming but troubled strata sector under microscope

Jane McIlroy2025-03-10T12:13:01+11:00

How Canberra’s strata properties are managed will come under the scrutiny of a Legislative Assembly inquiry that could shape the role of a promised Strata Commissioner and new laws to govern the burgeoning sector. The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs has kicked off the inquiry and is calling for submissions from all interested parties ahead of holding public hearings. The inquiry will focus on the application of the Unit Titles [...]

Inquiry to put booming but troubled strata sector under microscopeJane McIlroy2025-03-10T12:13:01+11:00

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles from charging in apartment carparks

Jane McIlroy2024-12-18T12:21:21+11:00

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles (EVs) from charging in apartment basement carparks, citing a perceived risk of battery fires writes Technology reporter James Purtill in a recent article on abc.net.au EV fire safety researchers say the risk is no greater than for petrol and diesel cars and such concerns are fed by misinformation, but state fire authorities urge caution These conflicting messages around EV fire safety are generating confusion [...]

Strata owners are increasingly banning electric vehicles from charging in apartment carparksJane McIlroy2024-12-18T12:21:21+11:00

Miguel bought a car – then there was a $2000 cost to charge it

Jane McIlroy2024-12-16T12:51:27+11:00

A recent article in the SMH highlighted the high costs that some apartment buildings are imposing on residents who simply want to charge their EVs. And the apartment owners’ peak body, the Owners Corporation Network (OCN), chair Fred Tuckwell agrees, saying both strata owners and tenants should be free to use their EVs. “We are advocating for a right to charge,” he said. “There should be a set of criteria that, [...]

Miguel bought a car – then there was a $2000 cost to charge itJane McIlroy2024-12-16T12:51:27+11:00

How apartment owners are being ripped off….

Jane McIlroy2024-09-11T11:56:12+10:00

Here's today's media UPDATE ABC Four Corners:> VIEW THE FULL EPISODE HERE ABC News: How apartment owners are being ripped off> http://ABC News Daily: How Apartment Owners Are Being Ripped Off ACCC Chair calls for a ban on Strata Insurance Commissions:> ABC News today Brokers and advocates call for public strata inquiry:> Call for a public inquiryAnd in the interest of fairness, Steadfast's response:> https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/steadfast-on-abc-strata-investigation-we-refute-the-allegations-504852.aspx Plus there's more Top consumer groups say 'it's [...]

How apartment owners are being ripped off….Jane McIlroy2024-09-11T11:56:12+10:00

Why the OCN is fed up with the strata “industry”

Jane McIlroy2024-08-05T12:14:45+10:00

Karen Stiles, OCN Executive Director, shared her thoughts why she's "fed up" during a recent interview with Amanda Farmer's "Your Strata Property" podcast. Hear what she had to say on: how strata owners are being overlooked in today’s conversations about the strata industry, the astonishing lack of consumer protections for those buying apartments, the owners who ARE willing to pay more for good strata management, and why Fair Trading needs to [...]

Why the OCN is fed up with the strata “industry”Jane McIlroy2024-08-05T12:14:45+10:00

Strata manager banned by NSW Fair Trade for 10 years

Jane McIlroy2024-07-30T17:53:23+10:00

Owners Corporation Network Executive Director Karen Stiles spoke with Sarah Macdonald on ABC mornings about Whitney Wang's 10 year ban for professional (or lack there-of) conduct. “I am hoping this the first step of many more,” she said. Ms Stiles said the NSW Strata Commissioner was creating a good first step and encouraged other states to follow suit. Listen here: Strata Manager banned for 10 years - Karen speaks with [...]

Strata manager banned by NSW Fair Trade for 10 yearsJane McIlroy2024-07-30T17:53:23+10:00

Strata Law reform on the cards as NSW fair trading swamped with complaints

Jane McIlroy2024-08-12T15:19:18+10:00

The NSW government’s draft laws are in consultation with the Owners Corporation Network and Strata Community Association and will be considered by parliament later this year. Owners Corporation Network Executive Director Karen Stiles said many owners were in “a world of pain” thanks to limited regulation over the sector. “We certainly welcome more stringent regulation of strata managing agents and service providers, including building managers,” she said. Read submission:> OCN [...]

Strata Law reform on the cards as NSW fair trading swamped with complaintsJane McIlroy2024-08-12T15:19:18+10:00

Victorian HighLife Expo: listening to the voices of residential strata

Jane McIlroy2024-08-06T18:17:57+10:00

The recent HighLife Victoria Expo featured a range of activities, including webinars, stalls, and forums – along with a Listening Post. Operated by the Owners’ Corporation Network (OCN) and Strata Community Association (SCA) Victoria, this initiative gathered insights from expo attendees – owners, tenants and committee members – regarding their most pressing issues and desires for change within the residential strata sector. Read article:> https://www.docklandsnews.com.au/highlife-expo-listening-to-the-voices-of-residential-strata/

Victorian HighLife Expo: listening to the voices of residential strataJane McIlroy2024-08-06T18:17:57+10:00

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